Grammar Gazette-Issue 1, 2020

From the Chair An enduring core purpose

From the Principal Opportunities for curiosity

Ms Julie McKay Chair of the Board of Trustees

Ms Jacinda Euler Principal

'I think I may say that, despite the difficulties we have had to contend with this year, the majority of the girls have lived up to our good old motto, and the undoubted spirit of happiness which pervades the School is, I think, due in large measure to willing industry and the appreciation of the privilege of service.' —Miss Annie Mackay, Head Mistress from The Head Mistress' Report For the Year 1919

One of the most enduring lessons I took with me from my days as a BGGS student was to be open to opportunities to learn—at all times, in all circumstances. The classroom wasn’t the only domain for growth— neither was the sporting field, nor the band room. My teachers instilled in me the concept that every interaction with every person was a chance to gain new knowledge or insight into another way of thinking that could improve our own lives or the world in which we live As our world battles a pandemic that threatens almost every aspect of our lives, the idea of constant, unashamed curiosity is, I believe, more important than ever before It is also a moment to reflect. The School’s 145th anniversary— BGGS first opened its doors on 15 March 1875—provides a timely, yet poignant, reason to look at how we have overcome such crises in the past

While and responsive to the constant changes that the pandemic dictates, we must not lose focus of that which endures and sustains us: our core purpose, as a School; our innate ability to adapt and innovate; and, our connection to each other As always, the Board’s focus remains providing for the ongoing strength and sustainability of our School Now, and over the comingmonths, this will indeed necessitate an agile and responsive approach as we navigate the inevitable challenges of this global disruption to the way we live and operate as a society However, despite this turbulence, that which inspires us as a Board and makes BGGS great—its vibrant community of girls and their families, dedicated teachers and staff, and alumnae—will not change I offer my sincere thanks to my fellow members of the Board of Trustees, Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler, the School’s tirelessly diligent and caring staff, our supportive parents and our unstoppable girls When we are united in our support for one another, and when we decide, as a collective, to continue to be intentionally open- minded and curious, we can overcome whatever challenges lay before us — Reference The Magazine of the Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School (1919) [Editorial] remaining agile

In 1919, Queensland faced the global ‘Spanish’ influenza pandemic— the last time the State closed its borders, and resulting in some teachers being unable to return from southern states for the start of the School year In the breach, alumnae volunteered to teach students. Later, once the flu itself had reached Queensland, BGGS was closed for 11 weeks, during which time the students preparing for ‘Junior’ and ‘Senior’ examinations were supplied with distance learning activities by their teachers, via post In periods of great uncertainty, it is natural to lament for that which we have lost, either temporarily or permanently, and to be concerned about what lies ahead No doubt, many in the BGGS community are facing significant challenges, and we keep in our thoughts everyone affected during this most difficult of times.

So much has changed so suddenly in the lives of us all in recent times. As a School, we have been supported and sustained by our purpose—to provide a quality education to girls and young women, albeit in new ways, so that they will take their rightful place in the world as well-educated, outward- looking and compassionate people. The challenges for us—our School, our staff, students and families—have been very real and we know much hardship lies ahead for many in our society We trust that the stability and authenticity Brisbane Girls Grammar School represents will provide a sense of security, optimism and hope to our community We are continuing to forge ahead with our ongoing projects—the Science Learning Centre, as many will have seen, continues to emerge above the School and is still on track for opening at the start of 2021; our new Illumine podcast is an example of our commitment to

engage indiscussion anddebate on topics of substance; and we recently launched Bishbar Blue , a new digital publication distributed to 7 500 Grammar Women around the world that acknowledges the foundation their Girls Grammar education has provided them as they contribute to the world through their studies, their careers and in their homes, families and local communities These times have required us all to bring a level of flexibility and agility, along with patience and some downright stoicism, to every action and to every decision that we make Despite the challenges, there have been positives too: a remarkable resilience tested but also strengthened among our students; new skills for our teachers who are exhausted and yet also energised by their learnings; and alternative, less formal modes of communicating with our parents that may, ultimately bring us closer together, keep us more attuned The creativity of the girls, shocked initially by what

had been snatched away from them, came to the fore very quickly And most importantly, a deeper understanding of what and who matters seems to have emerged and I hope will not be forgotten as life, gradually, moves on BGGS remains committed— through the education we provide and the willingness of our staff and students to be active participants in the shaping of our society—to face the challenges we face with confidence and determination, always understanding the importance of our motto, Nil Sine Labore The attitude to life it represents has certainly stood the test of time, provided focus to all that we do and leads to a meaningful, and hopefully happy, life I hope you enjoy the interesting and inspiring stories contained in this newly redesigned edition of Gazette

left Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ms Julie McKay, Head Girls, Arwen Dias-Jayasinha (12G) and Abbey Grice (12E), and Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler

above left Yasodha Dias (8L) and Abbey Woodward (8L) on the first day of School, Term 1 2020

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

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Issue 1, 2020